State Assemblyman Calls for 'Big, Bold' Infrastructure Plan

ALAMO -- Assemblyman Guy Houston, speaking at an Associated General Contractors luncheon last week, said that a "big, bold vision" for improving California's crumbling infrastructure is the best way to win public support.

Houston (R-Livermore) was the keynote speaker at the AGC East Bay District Holiday Luncheon held at the Round Hill Country Club in Alamo. The event benefited the U.S. Marine Corps "Toys for Tots" charity.

In addressing the issue of funding for critical transportation, water system and other infrastructure improvements, Houston told the gathering of construction industry leaders that he believes the administration of Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger should "think big" to win back the confidence of voters who may have been put off by November's special election.

"If it's a big, bold vision for California, I think the public will get behind it," said Houston of talks to place an infrastructure bond on the November 2006 ballot. He said there is broad bipartisan support for making sure California's roads, levees, schools and other public works are in good condition.

Regarding the past practice of the governor and legislature diverting Proposition 42 highway funds to bail out the state's cash-strapped general fund, Houston said the funds should be protected and other areas of the general fund should be scrutinized.

He noted that his staff did an analysis and found that during the administration of Gov. Ronald Reagan, health and welfare spending represented 6 percent of the state's general fund and infrastructure was 11 percent. Today, the figures are 28 percent and one quarter of one percent, respectively.

"I think we should look at Proposition 42 as a base and work from there," he said.

Houston also noted that reforms in California's environmental laws are needed because challenges and lawsuits often tie up projects, even when funding is available.

He is currently sponsoring legislation to amend the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), but said it is difficult to build consensus on such a controversial issue.

"It would be terrible for us to pass a bond act if we can't get the work done because the projects are stuck in the CEQA process and the courts," he said.

Also during the luncheon, representatives from the U.S. Marine Corps presented AGC's East Bay District with the "Commander's Award" for the association's ongoing support of the annual "Toys for Tots" program that donates new toys to needy children during the holidays.

Sgt. Eric Osuna, just back from a tour of duty in Iraq, and Lance Cpl., Tony Vargas, made the presentation to Mike Mulich, operations chief for Independent Construction Co. of Concord and vice chairman of AGC's East Bay Board of Directors.

AGC Constructor Awards Entry Deadline Approaching

AGC of California issued a reminder that Friday, Jan. 13 is the deadline for entries into the 2006 AGC Constructor Awards program, honoring outstanding California construction projects. All entries must be in AGC's state office in West Sacramento by 5 p.m. that day.

Only projects completed or substantially completed in California in the calendar year 2005 by AGC member firms are eligible to compete in the 2006 Constructor Awards program.

There are six categories for this year's competition. They include:

• Excellence in Project Management -Projects $5 million or below
• Excellence in Project Management - Projects over $5 million
• Innovation in Construction Techniques or Materials
• Contribution to the Community
• Meeting the Challenge of the Difficult Job - Builder
• Meeting the Challenge of the Difficult Job - Heavy Engineering
  

The Awards Committee will conduct first round judging early next year and will select finalists in each category and notify them of their selection in early March. Judging of the finalists will then be undertaken by a panel of seven judges, consisting of the three AGC Division Chairs, three members of the Awards Committee and one individual from the public or private sector allied with the construction industry, as selected by the Awards Committee.

All finalists will be honored at the AGC Constructor and Achievement Awards Banquet to be held on Saturday evening, April 1 at The Fairmont San Francisco. Winners will not be announced prior to the dinner program. Sponsors of the 19th Annual Constructor Awards program include: Excel Bonds & Insurance Services Inc.; McGraw-Hill Construction; Nor Cal Leavitt Insurance Services; and Peckar & Abramson, P.C.

For complete entry information, contact AGC's state office at (916) 371-2422 or visit AGC's website at www.agc-ca.org.

In other AGC-California news, the organization plans to hold a Young Constructors Forum working weekend April 27-29 at the Marriott Ventura Beach.

Guest speakers who have been invited to attend the event for young constructors include Senators Tom McClintock and Abel Maldonado and Assemblyman Russ Bogh. Planned workshops include understanding environmental regulations; how to deal effectively with Cal/OSHA on and off the worksite; and design-build construction -- how it differs from the traditional method. There is also a planned construction site tour, and more.

For more information, contact AGC's Tony Morelli at (805) 388-7330. Registration materials will be available in early 2006.